2009 New York Culinary Experience

So I can't even begin to express my excitement for this – it is one of the most unique events of it's kind, and I get to attend! The culinary gods have smiled upon me.

I could only be referring to the New York Culinary Experience, brought to you by New York Magazine and the French Culinary Institute. This is their second annual event that brings together some of the world's most renowned chefs and restaurateurs for a 2-day epicurean whirlwind of cooking classes, wine tastings and q&a's. For most of you hardcore foodies out there, cooking alongside Jacques Pepin and David Bouley only happens when you're also standing naked in the cafeteria with Elvis and your pet unicorn. However, The New York Culinary Experience gives you that golden ticket, and it sounds like a fascinating event. This "experience" is hosted by French Culinary Institute CEO & Founder, Dorothy Hamilton, and Culinary Editor of New York Magazine, Gillian Duffy.

The event starts Saturday, October 3rd at 9 am, and goes all day with the the last round of classes ending at 4:15 pm. Among those last classes are Cooking with David Bouley and New York Ingredients with Jean Georges. No big deal - just a regular Saturday for me. Sunday (October 4th) runs the same schedule, but with different classes, including Risotto with Cesare Casella, Classic Gotham Starters with Alfred Portale, and Chocolate Creations with Jacques Torres. I can feel the gravy coursing through my veins already. So if you've ever dreamt about rolling sushi with Morimoto or making pasta with Scott Conant, this is your opportunity to make it a reality, if not your one chance in hell.

The golden ticket doesn't come cheap, but you do get to keep any leftovers you make. And at $1,395 per ticket, you'd better hope those leftovers last about 3 weeks. Or you could try selling them on eBay.